Sow Welfare Research Associate, Computer Vision

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Kennett Square (Chester County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Clinical Studies – New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a Research Associate to advance sow welfare research using non-invasive, automated methods, including computer vision, in a multidisciplinary team. You will perform controlled behavioral experiments on farms, analyze data with R, collect biomarkers, and contribute to publications while mentoring students, under the supervision of Dr.

Thomas Parsons.

Qualifications

• PhD in animal behavior, welfare, or related field.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills.
• Experience with animal behavioral research.
• Ability to work independently and on farms.
• Proficiency in R or similar data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and conduct controlled behavioral experiments.
• Manage on-farm research trials including animal handling.
• Implement and support computer vision systems for automated tracking.
• Collect and analyze biological samples (e.g., salivary cortisol).
• Conduct biomarker assays on collected samples.
• Perform behavioral assays such as open field and novel object tests.
• Process and analyze large datasets using statistical tools.
• Contribute to publications and mentor students.

Skills

Animal behavior

Statistical analysis

Independent work

On-farm research

R or similar tools

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

R

Job description

The Department of Clinical Studies – New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a Research Associate to advance sow welfare research using non-invasive, automated methods, including computer vision, in a multidisciplinary team. You will perform controlled behavioral experiments on farms, analyze data with R, collect biomarkers, and contribute to publications while mentoring students, under the supervision of Dr.

Thomas Parsons.